The Revd Canon Stephen Fields speaks with Anglicans from Hong Kong during the Continuing Indaba Encounter in Toronto. From left to right: Shari Kung, Amos Poon Ching Hang, Kevin She and Dean Samson Fan of All Saints' Cathedral in Hong Kong.

Photo Credit: Diocese of Toronto/Michael Hudson.

Continuing Indabais a process of honest conversation that seeks to build community, energize mission, and provide a context in which conflict can be transformed.

Indaba is a Zulu word describing a journey of slow discussion on controversial matters with the aim of furthering community life, not just solving an issue. Such processes are common throughout Africa, Asia, the Pacific islands and the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba explains the significance of the process here.

Continuing Indaba is the distinctive Anglican contribution to conflict transformation and reconciliation.

Biblical – Consciously founded on Scripture.

The great act of reconciliation of Christ on the cross is the basis of all reconciliation. The journey of Jesus and his companions on the way to the cross and many other stories of conflict transformation form the basis of Continuing Indaba.

Contextual – Defined by non-western traditions.

Over 100 theologians – mainly from Africa, and Asia, shaped the understanding of Continuing Indaba. They worked in communities to and interpreted the Bible from their cultural perspectives.

Effective – A proven tool for mission

In places where Continuing Indaba process has been applied, relationships have been intensified, genuine conversation occurred, and mission has been energised.

‘Living Reconciliation is a simple and yet profound guide to the immensely rewarding, challenging, sometimes painful process of loving one another in and through disagreement. It offers a vision of Church marked by honesty, truthfulness and love. It is a people’s theology which applies the teaching of the Gospel at precisely the point where we need it most today. Together with the accompanying Bible studies – and prayerful study of the scriptures is the indispensible foundation for Christian reconciliation – it offers a key to the resolution of conflict and to living with difference.’ The Bishop of Liverpool, Paul Bayes

The Archbishop of Canterbury describes it as “an excellent book” that removes our excuses for avoiding the hard journey towards reconciliation and it is commended by Archbishop Desmond Tutu “as a tool and encouragement in living your life of reconciliation”.

The Living Reconciliation website has regularly updated articles, Bible Studies to use in your parish and videos as well as information on how to buy the book.

The Living Reconciliation website also featuresan eight week Bible Study based on the structure of the book, including videos.